Fire ban lifted, but please delay non-essential burning
• The Total Fire Ban has been lifted. All the Waikato region is now in Open Fire Season except for the Thames/Coromandel district which in in a Restricted Fire Season.
• The Open Fire Season now in place means that you can light fires in the open as long as they are safe and will not get out of control.
• However, Fire & Emergency NZ (Waikato) asks that you delay lighting non-essential fires until after we reach Level 2 of the current lockdown. This will avoid putting staff and volunteers at unnecessary risk of Covid-19 infection.
• If your fire will be large and may attract public attention with consequent 111 calls, please first inform the Fire Communication Centre ph. 09 486 7948 to reduce unnecessary Fire Brigade callouts.
• The Thames Coromandel District has been moved to a Restricted Fire Season, meaning that Fire Permits are required there before lighting outdoor fires.
• For more information, contact Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer – Waikato Rural ph.: 027 284 8636 paul.shaw@fireandemergency.nz
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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3.8% Yes
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92.3% No
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3.8% Not sure
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.8% Yes
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22.8% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.